Anamosa authorities have identified the two inmates accused of murdering a correctional nurse and officer last Tuesday while they tried to escape the local state penitentiary.
Michael Dutcher, 28, and Thomas Woodward, 39, both served lengthy sentences at the detention center when they used hammers and other tools they stole from a prison program to attack jail staff.
The victims were identified as registered nurse Lorena Schulte, 50, and Officer Robert McFarland, 46. An inmate, who tried to help the two employees and a fellow staff member, were also injured amid the botched prison break attempt.
“Two wonderful people had their lives taken while simply trying to do their jobs here in Anamosa,” Department Director Beth Skinner said at an emotional press conference.
“One, a nurse whose main mission was to help and heal our sick. One, an officer whose mission was to help keep this facility safe in order for men here to have a safe and rehabilitative environment.”
“To have these two people taken from us in an act of senseless violence is nothing short of tragic.”
Both Woodard and Dutcher admitted to the crime and face first-degree murder, attempted murder, and second-degree kidnapping.
“Please keep the men and women of Iowa corrections in your thoughts,” a visibly saddened Skinner concluded.
